Attended this show as an 18 year old sitting out a semester before beginning undergrad years.
Another review here mentions the roar of the crowd after the first hit of Estimated Prophet -- I remember that as the moment the audience was settling in for a good second set, and the tune choice seemed perfect for the mood. You'll also notice the audience singing along, which again confirms calling this tune was right on the money. I had a clear view of Garcia, and I remember him looking at Weir on the first chorus singing "California" with an absolutely beaming smile, while he rocked back and forth on his heels. Of all my memories of the Dead concerts I attended as a teenager, I can't remember any other time Garcia appeared this committed onstage. The jam on this Estimated is particularly inspired, which I remember happening under a low mix of blue and green lights, which had no one in the band spotlit. My compliments to the lighting director, as I still have a very vivid memory of the lighting and this performance that I have carried for many years.
This is a very good quality audience recording; the taper knows a thing or two about mic placement and found a good spot -- aside from that, although the Rochester War Memorial (now Blue Cross Arena) is just another carbon copy concrete ashtray hockey rink, it has surprisingly good acoustics, and steeper side seating that allows a good view from virtually anywhere.

If you're looking to hear audience recordings, this is great. If you're into audience recordings and you love to hear the roar of the crowd when they get what they want (that the soundboards just don't catch enough of), look no further than after the first lick of Estimated Prophet. Gives me chills every time. And when you get into the Intro at about 55 secs, you know the whole crowd hears that Iko is going to be the opener. Wow are they excited about that.
Many might come across this show because of Revolution and Satisfaction, but those aren't highlights by any standard of mine. If you did come here for that, great, but give the crowd a chance to wow you for once.

A Rainy 2 night Stand in Rock City. It might have been me, but everybiody had wax lips from drinking the genesee from those wax cups. Who needs soundboards when you have the Oadies?

I've always had a sick fondness for 1985 and auds that give rise to images of smoky dark halls and sick guitar leads.

I enjoy the second set holistically, warts and all. Bob's estimated gets me all excited, Garcia's She Belongs to Me soothes me, and the satisfaction reminds me that every now and then rock and roll can be good. Don't forget space and the other one, giving us a little weirdness to boot.

Fantastic aud.

The sound here is real nice. Sounds like a fun show. Great versions of BE Women & Might As Well. The Other One through the end of the show is nice as well. 4 stars. Weak spots are Esau and Eyes.

always thought the dead played well in rochester and no exception here. great recording. better than the good audiences from meadowlands just after. this tour was really up and down. flat in florida. so-so @ the fox. weird and wild from sc to richmond. jerry sounded tired in worcester and tired again to close the tour on 11/11. amyway--this rochester is great. no clams and just a few small flubs--jack straw and other one. love the energy.

great show and PHENOMENAL recording. Will give your speakers a workout!!

Hey David, I got you into Cal Expo 6/10/90, now thanks for directing me to this audience of Rochester after I clicked on your list of reviews. Already have the 85 era SBDS, but this audience captures the unbelievable audience much better. I was lucky enough to be at Ra Cha Cha in 85.

Lucky indeed.

PS- 11/7 is even better.

Only one review and I was gonna skip it. Glad I did'nt boy is this a good audience recording. I'm going to give it a strong 4 stars for quality.Iv'e heard a pristine SBD of one of the shows from Rochester 85 while waiting in line to buy tickets for Grateful Dead Rosemont 88 shows at Carson Peiri Scott. There's also a Beefy clean SBD from 1/29/87 out there. Got it from a tape trade via mail from a woman named Julie Wolfe but I lost it. I'll donate a good aud from 6/29/86 Alpine soon.

A great show and a great recording